Qualification: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level: Level 3

Mode: Full-time

Timetable: This is a full time programme of study of under 16 hours per week. You will receive your timetable when you enrol.

Start Date: September 2013

You should have 4 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C or above including English language, OR a merit or distinction at Level 2 with Functional Skills in English (ideally at Level 2) and maths and a good reference. Should you wish to use this qualification to do nursing or other health-related professional studies, you should have English, maths and double science at grade C or above. Applicants with appropriate work experience may also be considered, following a formal assessment to determine if they can meet the demands of the course. If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email ciag@west-thames.ac.uk.

All students must undertake work experience in a care/childcare setting as part of this course. Work placement settings require students to obtain a DBS to demonstrate that they are suitable to work with vulnerable people and/or children. Students must be aware that if information about previous criminal convictions, cautions or warnings is contained on their disclosure certificate, they may not be accepted on to a placement. For any queries please contact the Curriculum Team Manager for Health and Social Care for advice.

International students must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for this course.

You will study the following 8 core units in the first year plus a vocational unit. Your second year will consist of 9 optional units.

• Developing effective communication in health and social care
• Equality, diversity and rights in health and social care
• Health, safety and security in health and social care
• Development through life stages
• Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology for health and social care
• Personal and professional development in health and social care
• Sociological perspectives for health and social care
• Psychological perspectives for health and social care.

This course consists of the 90-credit Diploma in Year 1 followed by the Extended Diploma in Year 2.

You can go on to a degree in nursing, midwifery, sociology, psychology, social work, criminology or youth work, or an HND in managing health and care services, social policy or teacher training. If you wish to go into employment straight away, you could work in a registered care home, community work, the voluntary sector, a hospital or primary care trust.